This weekend, the Valley Youth Theatre in downtown Phoenix will be celebrating its annual VYTal Affair fundraiser, but this year it will be held virtually. In the event's 26th year, notable alumni will be making virtual appearances on the telethon.

Oscar winner Emma Stone, Charity Dawson from the musical "Waitress" and Nick Cartell from the national tour of "Les Miserables" will be helping raise money, along with many other performers who got their start at Valley Youth Theatre.

Memories by Candace

Bobb Cooper

Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper said VYT has been fortunate enough to avoid laying off staff during the pandemic, but the fundraiser will help when doors open again.

"No one anticipated this to happen, and it would just be heartbreaking for theaters to go out of business," he said.

Cooper said that conserving the theater scene is a very important priority, and he anticipates a high demand once things open up again.

"I believe that when we’re done with this COVID-19 and we’re back able to embrace each other, people will be starving for live entertainment."

For now, the virtual setting will have to do. The VYTal Affair telethon is Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on YouTube, Facebook and VYTFundraiser2020.com.